Manhole Flash Shield

Abstract

A cover comprises a frame having first and second sides oppositely disposed from one another. The frame defines a perimeter. A first plate is attached to the first side of the frame. A portion of the first plate extends outwardly from the perimeter and forms an engagement surface surrounding the frame. A second plate is attached to the second side of the frame. The cover has at least one lifting lug attached to the second plate. A gasket is attached to the engagement surface of the first plate. The cover is positioned within an opening to a vault. A portion of the interior surface of the vault forms a peripheral surface surrounding the opening. The cover is drawn against the opening so as to engage the gasket attached to the engagement surface of the cover with the peripheral surface surrounding the opening.

1 . A cover, comprising:
 a frame having first and second sides oppositely disposed from one another, said frame defining a perimeter;   a first plate attached to said first side of said frame, a portion of said first plate extending outwardly from said perimeter and forming an engagement surface surrounding said frame; and   a second plate integrally attached to said second side of said frame, said second plate oriented parallel to said first plate.   
     
     
         2 . The cover according to  claim 1 , further comprising first and second lifting lugs attached to said frame. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The cover according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one lifting lug attached to said second plate. 
     
     
         5 . The cover according to  claim 1 , further comprising a gasket attached to said engagement surface of said first plate. 
     
     
         6 . The cover according to  claim 5 , wherein said gasket substantially surrounds said frame. 
     
     
         7 . The cover according to  claim 6 , wherein said gasket comprises a flexible resilient tube. 
     
     
         8 . The cover according to  claim 7 , wherein said gasket further comprises a sleeve surrounding said tube. 
     
     
         9 . The cover according to  claim 1 , wherein said first plate comprises a glass in a polymer base. 
     
     
         10 . The cover according to  claim 1 , wherein said second plate comprises a glass in a polymer base. 
     
     
         11 . A cover, comprising:
 a frame having first and second sides oppositely disposed from one another, said frame defining a perimeter;   a first plate attached to said first side of said frame, a portion of said first plate extending outwardly from said perimeter and forming an engagement surface surrounding said frame;   a second plate integrally attached to said second side of said frame, said second plate oriented parallel to said first plate;   said frame further comprising at least one connecting member positioned between said first and second plates and forming a central space between said plates;
 at least one lifting lug attached to said cover; and 
 a gasket attached to said engagement surface of said first plate. 
   
     
     
         12 . The cover according to  claim 11 , wherein said first plate comprises a glass in a polymer base. 
     
     
         13 . The cover according to  claim 11 , wherein said second plate comprises a glass in a polymer base. 
     
     
         14 . The cover according to  claim 11 , wherein said gasket substantially surrounds said frame. 
     
     
         15 . The cover according to  claim 14 , wherein said gasket comprises a flexible resilient tube. 
     
     
         16 . The cover according to  claim 15 , wherein said gasket further comprises a sleeve surrounding said tube. 
     
     
         17 . A method of shielding a subject from an arc flash, the method comprising:
 positioning a cover within an opening to a vault having an interior surface, a portion of said interior surface forming a peripheral surface surrounding said opening, said cover comprising
 a first plate attached to a frame defining a perimeter, a portion of said first plate extending outwardly from said perimeter and forming an engagement surface surrounding said frame; and 
 a second plate integrally attached to said second side of said frame, said second plate oriented parallel to said first plate, and 
   drawing said cover against said opening so as to bring said engagement surface proximate to and in facing relation to said peripheral surface surrounding said opening.   
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein said positioning said cover within said opening further comprises lowering of said cover to said opening, tilting said cover, and inserting said cover into said opening. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising engaging a gasket attached to said engagement surface of said cover with said peripheral surface surrounding said opening so as to form a seal. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , further comprising securing said engaged cover in place so as to maintain said seal.